ECS Cook

Sunbeam Family Services, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Cook to prepare nutritious meals for children at early education centers. This role involves ensuring food safety, adhering to dietary restrictions, and maintaining a clean kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will have a compassionate attitude and a commitment to serving high-risk, low-income communities. Join a team that values excellence and cultural sensitivity, and contribute to the well-being of children through nutritious meal preparation. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation and baking, nutrition, and/or dietetics.
• Current Food Handler’s Certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals and snacks for children.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and safety standards.
• Coordinate with staff for efficient food service.

Skills

Food Preparation

Nutrition Knowledge

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Food Preparation Coursework

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Computer Software

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Sunbeam Family Services - Oklahoma City, OK

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School Diploma or GED

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Cook is responsible for daily preparation of nutritious meals and snacks to child attending Sunbeam early education centers. The Cook is responsible for preparing meals and snacks by sanitary methods that maintain high nutrient levels, adhere to special diets and allergy restrictions. The Cook is also responsible for all kitchen operations, cleanliness, dish washing, collecting of CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) data and coordination of supply orders with the supervising Kitchen Manager. All employees and volunteers are expected to be sensitive to our clients’ cultural and socio-economic characteristics, reflect Sunbeam Family Services core values, and perform at Sunbeam’s standards of excellence at all times.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Prepare meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are sufficient amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need. Prepare food that is appropriate for special diets and allergy restrictions. Maintain established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments Maintain an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen. Delivery foods from the kitchen to the classrooms ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development. Work effectively with other kitchen and ECS staff for efficient functioning of food service program. Cooperate with and participate in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children. Participate in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities. Participate in staff meetings and other meetings and events as required. Travel locally as required in performance of responsibilities. Perform other appropriate and related responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimally Required Preferred Education Experience or course work and training in food preparation and baking, nutrition and/or dietetics Coursework and training in food preparation, baking, nutrition, and/or dietetics* (may substitute for minimum experience) Certification Current Food Handler’s Certificate Experience Experience* in food preparation and baking, nutrition and/or dietetics. *Coursework and training in these areas may substitute for experience. Previous experience in a large-scale food production operation required. Previous experience in child care center and completion of CACFP training. Skills Knowledge Abilities Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children and families Willingness to work with high-risk, low-income communities Knowledge of quantity food preparation, equipment, and purchasing General knowledge and understanding of dietary limitations, food allergies and meal preparation to meet special diet needs. Perform basic math calculations and measurements to meet CACFP meal service requirements Excellent written and verbal communication Communicate in a professional manner, demonstrating dignity and respect for our internal, external and community members Intermediate knowledge of computer operations and applications and the ability to master other computer technology/software programs, as needed Good organizational and time management skills Must work independently and collaboratively in a team environment Exercise independent judgment Process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials Sustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workload Travel locally as required in performance of responsibilities Must have valid Oklahoma driver’s license and insurance as required by position. Knowledge and understanding of Child Plus Advanced computer database and Microsoft Office software skills Understanding of Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards and state and local child care license requirements. Knowledge and understanding of NAEYC Bilingual Spanish/English speaking ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homes

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently communicate with staff and others, and must be able to exchange accurate information when doing so. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time and occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, attend meetings, etc. Must be able to operate and use a computer. Must be able to detect, discern, distinguish, observe, inspect and compare. Must be able to move needed materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Work Environment The employee will work in a food service environment, may work in close quarters with other staff and small children. The noise level in the work environment varies from moderate to loud; frequent chaotic situations will occur, characteristic to working with children ages 0 – 5 years. Employee must expect exposure to strong odors such as soiled diapers and clothes, and poor hygiene. May come into contact with childhood diseases and blood on occasion. Other The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. The qualifications, physical demands, and work environment described herein are representative of those an employee will encounter and must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel or candidate and may be subject to change at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sunbeam Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to fair and equal in all its employment practices for persons without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, disability or degree thereof, national origin, domestic/marital status, political affiliation or opinion, veteran status, HIV status, AIDS status, genetic information, and any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.